title: Excessive daytime sleepiness of the Brazilian emperor Dom Pedro II probably due to sleep apnea syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To show that the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) was the probable cause of D. Pedro II's excessive daytime sleepiness.
  
  
  METHODS
  Research of historical documents and bibliographical.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The excessive daytime sleepiness of D. Pedro II (1825-1891) was well known and bitterly criticized behavior by oppositionist magazines; it was also recognized by his peers. He would fall asleep in public places such as the theater and while attending lectures. As a youth, he was of normal complexion, putting on weight (obesity) at middle years.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The possibility of this diagnosis is particularly relevant in this case because it points to an organic cause for D. Pedro II daytime naps and excessive daytime sleepiness. It could be the result of OSAS and not "disinterest" as erroneously assumed at that time.
authors.affiliation: Division of Clinical Neurology, Hospital das Clinicas, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. reimaorubensneuro@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Rubens
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Reimão
authors.forename: Marleide da Mota
authors.initials: Mda M
authors.lastname: Gomes
authors.forename: Péricles
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Maranhão-Filho
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D006970:Disorders of Excessive Somnolence / Q000209:etiology / Q000266:history*; D005197:Famous Persons; D049672:History, 19th Century; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000150:complications / Q000266:history*